The New Saints kick off their 3rd qualifying round against Anderlecht on Tuesday night at The Racecourse Ground in Wrexham. The Welsh champions made quick work of Bohemians Dublins last week, comfortably taking the tie with a 4-1 aggregate victory. This team is used to big-scoring home wins and Andrew Cale will use that confidence to try and break through the Belgian side's defense.
Anderlecht played their first ‘warm-up' match for this season Friday night against Gent in the Belgian Super Cup. Cheikhou Kouyate put the Belgian champions ahead in the 30' and the defense held out for a confidence-boosting win. Anderlecht come in as large favorites on Tuesday and will play a solid mix of semi-aggressive football.
Champions League Qualifying: The New Saints vs. Anderlecht
Date: 27 July, 2010 - 21:45 CET
Stadium: The Racecourse Ground - Wrexham
Referee: Darko Ceferin (Slovenia)
The New Saints: Keeper: Paul Harrison
Defenders: Steve Evans, Phil Baker, Danny Holmes, Chris Marriott
Midfielders: Craig Jones, Barry Hogan, Scott Ruscoe, Matthew Berkeley
Forwards: Matthew Williams, Chris Sharp
Manager: Andrew Cale
Injured: -
Booked: -
Anderlecht:
Goalkeeper: Davy Schollen
Defenders: Roland Juhasz, Olivier Deschacht, Lucas Biglia, Sacha Kljestan
Midfielders: Thomas Chatelle, Mbark Boussoufa, Guillaume Gillet, Cheikhou Kouyate
Forwards: Bakary Sare, Matias Suarez
Manager: Ariel Jacobs
Injured: -
Booked: -
There is a very high chance of rain for this match. Temperatures will be around 17 degrees, but the wet pitch will make the ball do some odd things and could prove to be an advantage for the Welsh side. Slovenian referee Darko Ceferin will oversee the match on Tuesday night.
Last meeting: These teams have not previously met.
Wins The New Saints: 0
Wins Anderlecht: 0
Draws: 0
Both teams are aware this is the final round of qualification and will want to start on the right foot. The home side will need an advantage in the return leg and we could see some ambitious attacking play while they have the fans behind them. Anderlecht is a club with more class and a larger budget and expect nothing short of a win against the Welsh side. We could see many goals in this match and it is likely that Anderlecht will be ahead in the end.
Over 2.5 and Away win are good for singles and doubles.
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